Convicted Woodland Killer Denied Early Release

(Woodland, CA) - November 27, 2017 - District Attorney Jeff Reisig announced that on Tuesday, November 21, 2017 the Honorable Judge David W. Reed denied the early release of 57-year-old convicted killer Jeffrey Lemus of Woodland.

On October 10, 2017, the District Attorney’s Office was first notified of a petition by the California Department of Correction and Rehabilitation (CDCR) requesting the early release of Jeffrey Lemus pursuant to California Penal Code Section 1170(e)(2). The petition was filed based on a development of a serious medical condition and a belief that Mr. Lemus no longer posed a threat to public safety. The petition was filed by CDCR less than a year after Mr. Lemus was initially sentenced to seven years of prison.

On November 21, 2017, Mr. Lemus’ counsel requested another continuance in order to obtain clarifying medical documentation regarding the seriousness of Mr. Lemus’ condition. Deputy District Attorney Kyle Hasapes opposed the continuance and asked that the court rule on the petition, citing the petitions inability to meet the minimum threshold regarding the medical condition of Mr. Lemus.

Judge David Reed declined to continue the matter and instead denied the petition submitted by CDCR. In making the ruling Judge Reed stated that the medical records relied upon by CDCR were insufficient in that they did not show that loss of life would follow within the time frame required by the Penal Code. The Court stated further that even setting aside the medical condition, the petition would be denied because Mr. Lemus still posed a threat to public safety. The honorable Judge Reed made specific reference to the “huge” knife that Mr. Lemus wielded in a public place, which was the weapon used to kill Kelly Choate, and the fact that it was Mr. Lemus beckoned the victim towards him in an attempt to incite a fight in a public place.